Writing Checklist

Please initial each entry, showing you have read and abided by the directive stated there. Examine the pertinent handout for more information on a particular directive. The standard deduction for mistakes in each category is one point for the first error, and two if the error is repeated. Feel free to talk to me if you do not understand and/or need work on any entry below.

I, the undersigned, solemnly vow that I have tended to the very important technical matters discussed in class and in the hand-outs I have been given. I understand that my initials and signature are full warranty. (Contract borrowed from and inspired by my friend Susann Cokal.)

I have thoroughly read and thought about the marginal and end comments on my previous papers.

I avoid sweeping generalizations.

In the introduction, I identify the author(s) and title(s) of the work(s) I will discuss, and I spell their names correctly.

After the initial mention, I refer to the author (when I mention her or him) by her/his LAST name throughout.

I do not use quotations in the introductory paragraph except if I use them for my "hook" (very first sentence).

My introduction contains a clear, SPECIFIC, analytical thesis statement. (It is the last sentence of the introduction.) PUR

Each paragraph begins with (or near the beginning has) an analytical topic sentence that logically follows from the thesis sentence.

Each paragraph includes at least two, preferably three pieces of textual evidence to illustrate and develop the topic sentence.

I frame every quotation from the text in my own words. That is to say, I provide context and explain/analyze the significance of each quotation I use.

I keep in mind the following rule of thumb: for every line I quote from the text, I generally have twice as much analysis of it. (This may not always be the case.)

I handle all quotations according to the guidelines on the website (e.g. I use proper punctuation when quoting text) and make sure to indent any quotation longer than three lines.

My conclusion offers not only a summary of my main points but also a "so what."

My "so what" is not a moral.

I underline or italicize the titles of novels, plays, and movies. I put the titles of short stories, poems, and songs in quotation marks.

I use the present tense.

~~Passive voice is not used~~. I do NOT use passive voice.

My verbs and nouns agree.

My nouns and pronouns agree.

I have checked spelling, including characters' names.

I have numbered my pages and stapled them together.

I have used dark and legible print, double-spaced.

I do not use the word "thing" or any variation thereof in my essay.

I avoid re-telling the plot of the story.

I avoid using "I" and "you" in my essay as well as "we."

I avoid the phrases "there is" and "there are" in my essay.

My margins are 1.25" on both left and right, top and bottom.

My essay has a substantive title (i.e. a title that tells me what the essay is about).

The first sentence of each paragraph is indented.

There are no extra spaces between paragraphs.

I have read my essay out loud at least once before handing it in.

Whew! I made it to the end of the list!

signature: ________________________ date: ____________